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1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.4.1Safety Tips When Tramping In New Zealandhttps://johnb.co.nz/safety-tips-when-tramping-in-new-zealand/
https://johnb.co.nz/safety-tips-when-tramping-in-new-zealand/#respondThu, 21 May 2020 22:23:45 +0000https://johnb.co.nz/?p=70Safety Tips When Tramping In New Zealand Read More »]]>When you are tramping or hiking in the beautiful and interesting country of New Zealand, it is important for you to always keep your safety in mind. That is why this article will provide some tips to help for your tramping safety, as the reality is that New Zealand can be prone to a flash flood and bad weather can happen unexpectedly sometimes. Further, there is the risk of high levels of rain during the months that are wet and New Zealand does get snow during the winter season. These safety tips will be beneficial for both tourists and locals, so that they will know what to be aware of during their hiking escapades.

Make sure you have the right equipment.

It is imperative for you to have the right equipment when you are tramping and hiking in the forests and other parts of New Zealand. While it may be exciting to do some exploring of various parts of New Zealand in this manner, the reality is that the weather is known to be able to change rapidly without much notice. Always be aware of you surroundings and know how to reach a high point if a flash flood occurs. This can cause one to be exposed to cold temperatures, which could result in hypothermia if the person does not have the right equipment. It is possible to die from hypothermia. Make sure you have a flood recovery plan, the right clothes and extra clothes, a blanket, food supplies and matches to start a fire to try to keep warm.

Never venture out without listening to the weather forecast.

It is best to go tramping only when the weather is good. Listen to the weather forecasts. It is really important to always listen to the mountain forecast if you will be tramping in the mountains. Most radio stations will provide an hourly update. Moreover, if you are planning tramping in the back country for several days, it is advised to engage in hiring a locator beacon in case of an emergency or a mountain radio.

Stay in a hut

There are some accommodations in the form of huts in many national parks in New Zealand. Try to plan your tramping where you can get access to a hut. They may not be luxurious, but they will protect you from the elements and the rates are pretty reasonable. Also, be sure to take time to sign the guest book. This will serve as an added safety measure in case you happen to get lost. If someone goes looking for you, the fact of you signing the guest book will serve as a tool to help make it easier to find you.

Take someone with you

When you are tramping out in the wilderness of New Zealand, it is best to always take someone with you. When you have someone with you, you may have a better sense of direction. You will be more focused when you have someone to talk with and to keep your perspective on the journey. If you get confused, the other person just may have a better sense of direction that could be a great safety advantage. Also, if you get injured, the other person can help you or go for help to make sure you are rescued.

]]>https://johnb.co.nz/safety-tips-when-tramping-in-new-zealand/feed/0Pest To Watch Out For When Tramping In New Zealandhttps://johnb.co.nz/pest-to-watch-out-for-when-tramping-in-new-zealand/
https://johnb.co.nz/pest-to-watch-out-for-when-tramping-in-new-zealand/#respondWed, 20 May 2020 20:20:22 +0000https://johnb.co.nz/?p=39Pest To Watch Out For When Tramping In New Zealand Read More »]]>New-Zealand is known for its gorgeous nature and landscapes. Attracting tourists from all over the world to experience its environmental magnificence. Despite all the beauty, you will also encounter pests when hiking in New Zealand. Outdoor pests are a serious problem in New Zealand, threatening the original flora and fauna. Many measures are taken for pest control in New Zealand and it is of utmost importance not to interfere with the measures taken when tramping around the lush landscapes. Pests appear in many different ways, from mammals to insects and plants. Let’s dive a little deeper into the matter and protect the flora and fauna of New Zealand together.

Mammals

Outdoor pests like possums, rats, and stoats are mammals introduced to New Zealand when colonists arrived. There were no land mammals under New Zealand’s native species. The native species were easy targets for these predators. Native birds are particularly threatened in their existence. Eggs and chicks are eaten, mature birds are attacked as well.

Rock Snot and Fungus

This is a tricky one because they are so hard to spot. One particularly threatening pest is the didymo or rock snot. It can be carried from one freshwater source to the next by humans when it sticks on your hiking gear. After you entered one freshwater source, clear all the obvious debris, spray your gear with biodegradable spray to disinfect, and let it dry before you enter a new freshwater source. It is still not perfect but decreases the risk of spreading didymo considerably. Even one drop of didymo infected water can spread widely into the next area, changing the circumstances and harming the environment.

Right now Kauri trees are in danger from Kauri Dieback. A fungus that kills Kauri trees and seedlings. Because there is no treatment known from this fungus the only thing we can do is to contain the Kauri Dieback, and not let it spread to healthy Kauri trees. Clean footgear before and after entering an area with Kauri trees, stay on the tracks, and stay at least 3 meters away from Kauri trees.

Leave traps and bait alone

We try to keep mammal pests under control by laying traps and bait. Whenever you see a trap stay away from it. No matter if there is no animal, an alive animal, or dead animal inside. Professionals will take care of it in the proper way. You can also encounter bait like peanut butter, chocolate, rabbit meat, or other types of bait. Always leave anything alone that could be the bait to lure animals.

Your own safety

Luckily, there are not many lethal human threats in New Zealand when hiking. Nevertheless, some species should be avoided when possible.

Some of the most bothersome insects are mosquitos, ticks, bees, and wasps. Some basic measures can help reduce problems with these insects. Wear protective long sleeve cloth, put your pants in your socks, wear a hat, use DEET, and wearing Permethrin treated cloths will all help to protect against these insects.

Never eat any fruits, seeds, or plants you encounter in the wild in New Zealand. Make sure you inform your children before the hike they are not allowed to eat anything they encounter in nature. Some can be lethal or make you very sick. Some examples are the Black Nightshade berries, Thorn Apple, raw Castor beans, and Jerusalem Cherry.

Always inform yourself at local tourist agencies before you start hiking. Together we can protect the environment and ourselves.